Sierra Vista Farmers Market Vendor Update for 6-16-2022 – –

Welcome to the Sierra Vista Farmers Market Update for June 16, 2022

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Growing Pomegranate Fruit Trees in Arizona?

By Uncle Ralph (Ralph Wildermuth) 15 June 2022

The Farmers’ Market will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

I mentioned pomegranate trees as an easy grower when I started this topic line, but it is time to go into a little more about pomegranates.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is deeply embedded throughout mankind’s history. For thousands of years, it has been a vital provider of food and medicine across different cultures and civilizations.

Pomegranates origins range from Northeast Turkey to Afghanistan, however if you were to look at the botanical name, you would think they originated from Africa. You see the genus name “Punica” is derived from the Roman name for Carthage, as the Romans thought the fruit originally came from Africa.

Botanically, pomegranates are considered berries. Curiously, as a side note, bananas, cucumbers and auberginres (more commonly known as eggplant) are also classified as berries. Oddly enough, strawberries and raspberries are not classified as berries, despite their names.

As for their health benefits, research indicates that ancient cultures used pomegranates in remedies for digestive disorders, skin disorders, and intestinal parasites, to name a few. As new insights are discovered it is believed that pomegranates even contribute towards preventing serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Pomegranates have both a good side and a dark side when it comes to attributes. On the good side, the Quran says that pomegranates grow in the Garden of Paradise and are referred to on multiple occasions as God’s good creations. Christians believe that the pomegranate was in the Garden of Eden and some think it to be the real forbidden fruit rather than the apple, or the fig.

The Greeks held a much darker belief. To them the pomegranate was known as the ‘fruit of the dead’ as it was said to have arisen from the blood of Adonis. Oddly enough, the Greeks, along with the Romans, also believed that the pomegranate symbolized fertility. It was also the pomegranate that Hades used to trick Persephone into returning to the underworld for a few months of every year. Even Buddhism considers the pomegranate to be one of the three blessed kinds of fruit, along with peaches and lemons.

It is scientifically proven that pomegranates contain antioxidants, large quantities of flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, with important functions for cell regulation. Pomegranates also contain potassium, vitamin A, C, E, calcium and iron.

Pomegranate trees are monoecious meaning they have both male and female flowers on the same tree. Pomegranates grow naturally as a bushy shrub, but may be trained as a small tree growing to about 12 to15 feet high. Even though pomegranates are self-pollinating, bees and other insects such as beetles do like to visit the flowers and play a role in pollen transfer. The branches are stiff and spiny with glossy, lance shaped leaves. Pomegranates prefer full sun and although they will grow in part-shade the sun is needed to produce sugars and reach full flavor.

Some of the more popular pomegranates for the low desert here in Arizona are:

“Eversweet” is a white variety that is very sweet even when not completely ripe. The arils are very soft, with almost no seed. Harvest these fruits in late summer through fall. A very common variety in Arizona is the “Parfianka” which some people consider the best-tasting variety. It has large fruit with deep red soft arils. An excellent variety for juicing. The “Desertnyi”, originally from Turkmenistan, loves the desert environment. It has a light orange outer rind and deep red arils. It is complete with citrus notes and a sweet-tart balance. The “Eve” is another sweet, almost a cherry slurpy flavored fruit, bright red in color with deep red arils inside. Ready for harvest in October to November.

If you are looking for a tangier flavor pick up a “Wonderful” with large showy flowers and large purplish-red fruit that is very tangy.

These trees can be planted both in the fall through winter and in the spring from January through about April. Keep in mind that the tree trunks are susceptible to sunburn so if the tree was grafted, not done very often in the USA, try to find the graft and place it on the eastern side so that it is protected from the harsh west sun. These trees thrive in well drained loamy soil, but don’t require a specific soil type and do quite well in alkaline conditions. Space your trees about 10 to 12 feet apart.

If using a potted plant, the root ball should sit just barely exposed in relation to the soil line. Water well, every 7 to 10 days is suggested, and keep the tree moist without drowning the roots.

If you are planting a bare root, prune off the top third of the tree as this will help the tree’s energy go into producing a strong root system rather than maintaining the top growth. Until they get established, it might be a good idea to protect them from the harsh summer sun with some shade for at least the first year.

Pomegranates will start to ripen in October. When you see the birds trying to get into the fruit it is a good sign that it is time to pick them. Ripe pomegranates will have dark aril, a seed pod inside a pomegranate, unless they are one of the white varieties.

When thinking about companion plants to go with your pomegranate trees, think about plants that attract beneficial and predatory insects are excellent to help control pests.

Most flowers and herbs make good companions for pomegranates. Melons, berries, and members of the allium family of plants are also beneficial companions.

If you prefer to keep your pomegranates at bush level, prune the tips of the shoots the first 2 to 3 years to encourage more new shoots to form. After that stop pruning the tips as that is where the fruit is usually borne. After five years or so you might need to prune the older shoots down to the ground as they will stop producing fruit. For growing them into trees, prune young plants at 24-30 inches. As the new shoots develop, trim the lower branches to form a more central single main stem.

Whether it comes from the Garden of Eden or featured in the myth of Hades and Persephone, pomegranates can add a delightful touch to any kitchen. As a seasoning, a garnish, or even the primary cooking liquid, pomegranates still play a noteworthy role in cooking, especially in the Middle East. The seeds add a delightful piquancy to green salads, and the sweetened juice makes a refreshing drink, as those who have tasted grenadine can attest.

Need a tree or just help with growing a tree? Stop by Our Market and start your own little orchard or ask some of the vendors about how they grow their trees. Take care and see you next time!

As always, many of the market vendors accept WIC Farmers Markets & Senior Farmers Markets Vouchers in exchange for fresh fruits and vegetables. SNAP vouchers can also be used at some of the vendors booths. You can use your EBT card at the info booth for SNAP vouchers and Double UP tokens (unlimited amount right now).

We are looking forward to seeing you all at this coming week’s Market. For more information on all our vendors and the products they will be bringing, please see this week’s Farmers’ Market newsletter at www.sierravistafarmersmarkets.com.  Also, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sierravistafarmersmarket/.

Vendor Updates
Please see the vendor listings below with updated vendor information and the products they will be bringing.

Market Hours: Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Music Entertainment: Simmons Family Band

BASA is a volunteer board non-profit with a mission: “to promote local, sustainable food production, marketing and education in southern Arizona.

Webpage: http://basamesquite.org/
Weblog: http://bajaaz.blogspot.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125627894978189
Email: brownchristie1@gmail.com

The Bisbee Saturday Farmers Market is having a Car show on June 18th.
For more information or to register your vehicle email Events360@sellaz360.com

Updated Vendor Listing & Contact Information

– – Vendor Grown – –
Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Grown – – seal are known to grow at least 85% of the products they sell.
– – Vendor Brokered – –
Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Brokered – – seal do not grow a majority of the produce they sell and are known to purchase  a majority of their products from third parties.

Produce & Plant Vendors

Allred Family Fungi – – Vendor Grown –
Oyster mushrooms and other varieties.

Backyard Gardening & Growing  – – Vendor Grown –

Catherine will NOT be at the market this week.
Onions are ready! Red and golden beets, zucchini and yellow squash, iris rhizomes, and plants.

Beatty’s Orchard – – Vendor Grown –

Edith will be back next season.
520-378-2728 or 520-678-9443

Cazador Ranch

Echoing Hope Ranch – – Vendor Grown –
Variety of greens and herbs from their green house.
Kale, radishes, lettuce and more.

Horton’s Farm  – – Vendor Grown –

Mark and Jessica are back!
Garlic, onions, carrrots, turnips, red Russian kale, and beets. Zucchini , squash and okra.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Nat Hutchins
Local and Asian plant. Seasonal produce. Fresh chicken eggs.

Ravina Arizona
Micro greens

Ruth’s Hens & Garden

Planting for continuous tomatoes is interesting because tomato plants can be planted up until the first of July to produce before the freeze.
Veggies this week: string beans, carrots, cabbage and very large sweet onions.
Nice bouquets of dill for your summer salad or to dry for the winter.
From the Berry Patch: We have black berries, raspberries and strawberries.

SAS-Z Nuts – – Vendor Grown –
Locally Grown Pistachios
For more information, please visit one of their links: Facebook

Sivonn’s Garden – – Vendor Grown –
Fresh Seasonal Garden Produce such as mushrooms, salad mix, collards.

Tawin’s Gardens and Crafts – – Vendor Grown –

Seasonal Garden Plants

Triple J & R – – Vendor Grown –
Ralph and the children will be back on June 23.
“We are a family providing homegrown microgreens and sprouts. We carry a varied selection of microgreens and sprouts grown hydroponically on food safe screens using only pH balanced water and food grade nutrients for microgreen growth. If you don’t see one you like just let us know and we will grow it for you. Email us at triplej&r@arizonaremountstation.net or give us a call at (520) 266-2479. Our Website is arizonaremountstation.net.”

Meat, Milk, Egg & Honey Vendors

Golden Rule Dairy – – Vendor Grown – –
NEW: Raw butter and Ghee.
Golden Rule Dairy Special: Their very own chicken eggs!
Fresh Raw Milk, Cream, and Dairy Products and their yummy granola.
Golden Rule Dairy Special eggs will be available in July and August.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
Instagram-  golden_rule_dairy
goldenruledairy@gmail.com
www.goldenruledairy.com
520-210-2857

Papa Mike‘s Jerky 
Locally Made Jerky
For more information please visit one of their links: Website Facebook

Rocky Creek Ranch

Duck, chicken, and quail eggs

San Ysidro Farm – – Vendor Grown – -,
Jackie/Nathan will be at the market (first and third Thursday) with beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey and frozen pasties.
email jackie.syf@gmail.com
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Sky Island/47 Ranch – – Vendor Grown – –

– Locally Raised Range fed Criollo Beef, and Navajo Churro Lamb.
All natural, no hormones, no antibiotics, and no grain feeding.
– Wild caught sockeye salmon from Naknek Fisheries, Bristol Bay, Alaska.
– Apple or Mesquite smoked bacon from Willcox Packing House (uncured bacon, nitrite, and nitrate free), pork chorizo, and pork sausage.
– Homemade Cowboy Style Peanut butter (made with slightly-roasted organic peanuts, no salt or sugar added).

YouTube Channel (Ranching in the Right Hemisphere): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrfx3NWeUSGZ7KOnV8XL4tQ

For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook and YouTube
520-507-5203
crossu@vtc.net

Simmons Honey Ranchito 

Our many varieties of local honey will be available in one pound jars up to one gallon jugs.
520-364-2745, no text, no call id
520-368-2039 text welcome
simmonshoney1@powerc.net

Whitecane Sockeye Salmon

Alaskan caught sockeye salmon, king salmon, halibut, ling cod, shrimp, snowcrab, Bairdi crab, Dungenese crab.

Randy will be back in November 2022.

Baked Goods & Snack Vendors

Designs by Copper Canyon
New: Gluten-free breads by request.
Delicious truffles and sweet & savory breads.
Home decor items.
coppercanyonind@gmail.com

Ginny’s Eclectic Kitchen
Crumb coffee cake, oatmeal sandwich cookies, sourdough, and another fun bread.
Instagram is @ginnyseclectickitchen

Incredible Snacks
An Incredible Variety of Snacks
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Katerina’s-It’s Original Greek
Kathy and Jim will be back in October.

Fresh Made Greek Baked Goods and Prepared Food
New: Artisan Greek breads.

McDonald Farm
Dona broke her wrist and will be absent from the market for a while.
Baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, pies, and nut bars. Fresh eggs, pecans, beans (black, pinto, 9-bean mix), chicken and duck eggs.
SAS-Z-Nuts pistachios
Leave a message for Dona 520-220-3000

Mystic Eatz
Baked goods such as quick breads, cinnamon roll muffins, and seasonal pies.

Sweet Arizona
Locally made Toffee, Brittle, & Fudge
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
www.sweetarizona.org
520-312-5351

Wild Arizona Gardens
The bread selection will include na’an, green chili and cheddar bread, 5 seed bread, honey oat bread and rye bread. Also on the menu will be apple pie and strawberry rhubarb crisp. If you would like to have some held for you, please text 520-508-2494.

Personal Health & Household Vendors

Ancestral Herbals (Arizona Soap Company)

www.ArizonaSoapCompany.com
Hand made soap, lotion, balm, muscle rub, etc.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Chloe’s Creations
All-natural hand-made soaps and lotions.

Soaps for every skin type from dry to oily, to sensitive. She uses only essential oils to scent her products (lavender, peppermint, cedarwood) with all natural coloring.
No dyes, no fragrances, no phthalates, no sulfates, no parabens.
Custom made batches at a discount.

Nature’s Premium Skin Care
Aloe Vera miracle cream

Prepared Foods & Beverage Vendors

Big Woody’s
Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese, BBQ, and Pulled Pork
For more information & their menu please visit one of their links: Facebook

Bombshell Sweets
Variety of cotton candy and new hot cocoa mix and hot cocoa by the cup.

Café Cultiva
Jessica will NOT be at the market this week, but Ginny will bring coffee beans.
Fresh Coffee and Hot Beverages
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
774-316-2328

Crazy Coyote Concessions

Kettle Corn and Smoothies
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-904-2327
kettlekornaz@gmail.com

Julie & Sammie’s

Marvin will be back on the 23rd.
Variety of ice creams, novelty candies, and more.

Mi Burrito
Burritos from the grill with fresh salsa for lunch.

Lazy KJ Ranch
Locally Grown Organic Pork for lunch specials.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Lasagna and More
Complete line of Take-n-Bakes, sauces, Chef Burritos, SW Spice Blend
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Mulcogi

Spices and herb mixes.

Queen Ceviche
Fresh Made Salsa, Ceviche, Hand Sanitizer, and hibiscus syrup.
For more information, please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-904-4715

Sivonn’s Asian Cuisine

Lo mein, fried rice, steamed buns, eggrolls, springrolls, glass noodles

Zumi Juice
Come quench your thirst with a delicious, fresh, raw, cold juice made to order at our bright orange tent.  All of our juices are made from fruit to cup with no additives, just pure goodness.  Fresh Limeade is always served.

Pet Food & Product Vendors

Maggie’s Dog Treats & Accessories
All Natural Pet Snacks and Treats

Services

Hone Ranger

Knife sharpening at the market.

Artisan Vendors (are back) 

Greenstone Pottery & Crafts
Hand Made Pottery, Jewelry, & Crafts
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-537-4859
courage.4life4u@gmail.com
530-539-4859
greenstone.collection@gmail.com

Bannuar Trading & Sporting Goods

Handcrafted jewelry and cut antlers for dog chews, Meyer lemons

Bernie & Bill Medley
Paintings, Custom Frames and Woodwork
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
For more information please visit one of their links:

Doug Merrill

Handmade wooden boxes, tables, coat racks, benches, and wind chimes.

The Humble Daisy

– Local greeting cards made using Arizona photography, local art, and origami.
– Come get your greeting cards here. Personalization available.
-wire wrapped stones
-Spend time at Pam’s beading table

Sierra Vista Gems
New batch of blue oak and mesquite pens.
Cheri’s front license plates.

Suzy Bingham
Framed paintings.

Artisan Vendors (once a month)

Chalia’s Craft

•Crochet earrings

•Crochet & Macramé Plant Hangers

•Crochet bags and baskets

•Wall Decor

•Pillow Shams (seasonal item)

•Throw Blankets (seasonal item)

Shop: chaliascraft.Etsy.com

Instagram: @chalias_craft

Jim Williams
Wood works such as Lazy Susans, checker boards, and unique writing utensils

Rincon Valley Artisans

New artisans:

Desert Owl Forge
Leta’s Gallery
Crafts by Kate
Allie’s Attic
Richard Mann -woodworkings
Dust & Sky-paintings
R & W Gifts
Blue Bear Trading
Tombstone Pottery

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